Having to take the Christmas decorations down was always sad for me. I loved waking to the lights on the tree in the morning; Mom always lit them for us so we could enjoy our hot chocolate or coffee or breakfast with our tree in clear view. So often, I think of the folks during the year. They’ve been gone for a long while now. But some of the habits and traditions come back to remind me that I’ve not fallen far from my roots, be they apples or grapes or just plain nuts.
Daddy used to always tell me to Kiss the baby for me at the end of our phone conversations. My daughter was well into her teens and he was still using the same verbiage. But that was ok…she would always be my baby and his to send a kiss to…
Much of what, how and why my life style preferences evolved is expressed in this poem from a past Christmas card; all sentiments are very indicative of the hospitality that was present then under Daddy’s roof and practiced still in the same manner by those of us lucky enough to be a daughter still.
KEEP IT SIMPLE, SILLY, AND KISS THE LITTLE ONES FOR ME
OUR HEARTS ARE DEEP IN THOUGHTS AND PICTURES FILLED WITH REVERIE
FAMILY, FRIENDS AND GOODNESS-KNOWS-WHAT WHEN TIMES ARE SPENT TOGETHER
LET LAUGHTER, FLOUR, ICING FILL THE HOUSE WITH SNOWY WEATHER!
TO FILL OUR LIVES WITH PURPOSE FIRST, WITH SERVICE, LOVE, AND SMILES
LET THOSE WHO CLEARLY UNDERSTAND RENEW THEIR JOURNEY MILES
FEEL WITHIN HIS ALL-KNOWING LOVE AND VENTURE FORTH ON EARTH
CREATING JOY AND FELLOWSHIP IN HONOR OF HIS BIRTH!
COME! FILL YOUR PLATES WITH CRANBERRY, WITH HOMEMADE STUFFING, HERBS AND WINE
WE’VE A FEAST AROUND THE CORNER; CHOOSE A CHAIR AND GET IN LINE!
THERE IS LOTS OF HOSPITALITY IN EACH AND EVERY SERVING
PASS THE GRAVY! TOSS THE FRENCH BREAD! DON’T BE BASHFUL! WE’RE ALL STILL LEARNING
THAT OUR SMALL ACTS AND SMALL GIFTS OF SONG CAN LIGHTEN UP A FACE
AND INSTILL IN US THAT GOOD AND GREAT THINGS ALL ARE FROM HIS GRACE
SO, SHARE AND CARE AND WELCOME IN THE SOULS WHO SEEK HIS WILL
AND WATCH ANEW AS PRAYERS AND CHRISTMAS STOCKINGS OVERFILL!